In a recent address at the 2024 grand reunion of the 1989 law class of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Enugu, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, emphasized the need for law to be pursued as a second degree. This initiative aims to address the rising unemployment among lawyers in Nigeria and deepen legal practice in the country.
Ngige highlighted that many lawyers currently face unemployment because they were pressured into studying law by their parents rather than choosing it as a genuine career path. He argued that allowing mature individuals who have already studied other disciplines to pursue a law degree could yield better results, as these students often have a clearer sense of purpose and direction.
Citing examples of successful legal practitioners such as Justices Chukwudifu Oputa and Nnaemeka Agu, Ngige pointed out that many distinguished lawyers initially studied subjects like mathematics before transitioning to law. This trend indicates that mature students, who have previously explored other fields, tend to be more committed and employable once they graduate.
Ngige’s remarks came during a celebration of Prof. Christian Okeke, the pioneer dean of UNIZIK’s law faculty, who was honored with a professorial chair at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). The 1989 law class also made a significant donation of N5 million to support this endowment.
While discussing the challenges facing legal education in Nigeria, Ngige identified several key issues. He noted that poor funding, lack of dedicated facilities, and persistent strike actions have severely impacted legal education. Furthermore,
He pointed out that many universities are admitting more law students than they can accommodate, leading to overcrowded classrooms and inadequate resources. In response, the Council has barred two private universities from admitting new students for five years due to exceeding their admission quotas.
Ngige stressed the necessity for the government to provide targeted funding for law faculties in public institutions. He remarked that many parents are now opting to send their children to private universities, which often boast better facilities like moot courts and dedicated classrooms, compared to public institutions that still face infrastructural challenges from decades ago.
Another pressing concern raised by Ngige was the motivation of lecturers in public universities. He highlighted that low morale among faculty members negatively affects the quality of education and student outcomes. The Council is actively working to address the high turnover rates of law teachers, which disrupts continuity in teaching and learning.
Prof. Okeke, in his response, acknowledged the support from the 1989 law class and emphasized the importance of continued investment in legal education. He encouraged alumni to remain engaged in the development of law faculties across Nigeria.
The proposal to allow law to be pursued as a second degree represents a strategic shift aimed at enhancing the quality of legal education and addressing the pressing issue of unemployment among lawyers in Nigeria. By attracting mature students who are genuinely interested in the field, the Council of Legal Education hopes to create a more competent and employable legal workforce.
